United is the Way to Create Change
Every day, over 1.3 million people in our region struggle to afford essentials like housing, food, and health care. This is the reality of our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) neighbors.
United Way NCA improves the lives of underserved individuals in the National Capital Area by focusing community resources on creating measurable and lasting impact.
United is the way for community impact
We bring people and resources together to tackle our communities’ toughest challenges.
33,300
Students and families served by our programs
1,800
Dedicated volunteers committed their time and service
3,900
Students supported across educational programs
$1.1 mil
In tax refunds secured through financial empowerment
Explore Our Programs
United Way NCA is committed to providing resources to address inequity and help build a community where everyone can thrive.
United Way NCA promotes wellness by providing physical, nutritional, and mental health resources and by removing systemic barriers to food security, physical exercise, healthy eating, and mental health education services. [Learn More]
United Way NCA is committed to supporting Title I schools to support students from middle school onward to address attendance, behavior, and course performance to help our ALICE students thrive. [Learn More]
United Way NCA works to ensure the financial security of everyone in our community. Through our financial empowerment centers, we remove barriers to a range of financial services. [Learn More]
Create Lasting Impact, Get Involved View All Upcoming Events
2026 Back to School Stuff the Bus
08/17/2026
United Way NCA’s Stuff the Bus campaign provides backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies to middle school students attending our Community Schools in DC and surrounding counties in Northern Virginia and Maryland. Join us this August 17 to support our ALICE neighbors.
2026 Tee Up for Equity
10/07/2026
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tee Up for Equity supports ALICE students and families in Loudoun County. Over the past six years, United Way NCA’s Regional Advisory Council has raised over $200,000 to provide necessities through pantry programs in Loudoun schools and assistance for local families experiencing housing insecurity. Join us this October 7th, more details to follow.
Volunteering With United Way NCA
When we make the call, you show up ready to create a lasting impact for the community we serve. Without your commitment of time and service, United Way NCA would not be able to reach our most vulnerable neighbors. Ready to make a difference? Join us and volunteer today.
What you can do Other Ways to Take Action & Make a Difference
Donate Now
Invest in people. Invest in your neighborhood. Invest in a stronger National Capital Area. Donate today to change lives.
Volunteer Locally
Share your time. Share your talents. Share your love for community. Volunteer with your local United Way to change lives.
Success Stories View All Success Stories
Charting Our Future for a Thriving National Capital Area
July 2, 2026
United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) convened partners, stakeholders, board members, and staff on June 10 for its 2026 Annual Meeting.
Black Fathers Are Crossing the Stage and Changing the Narrative
May 26, 2026
The Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) and United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) honored dozens of men and their families during April 25’s Black Fatherhood Blueprint (BFB) graduation. The class was BFB’s second cohort after a successful inaugural class in 2025.
STEM in the Schoolyard Brings Interactive Science to Students
May 21, 2026
Hair-raising electricity and vortex fog rings filled the Buck Lodge Middle School gymnasium for United Way of the National Capital Area’s (United Way NCA) annual STEM in the Schoolyard event.
Growing the Next Generation of Investors: How One D.C. High School Is Changing the Financial Future
May 8, 2026
Students in H.D. Woodson High School’s Academy of Finance presented their capstone projects at United Way of the National Capital Area’s (United Way NCA) Washington, D.C. office.